Illinois Fighting Illini vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Illinois vs Rutgers NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Piscataway.

Illinois vs Rutgers Prediction

Looking to win big? The Fighting Illini and Scarlet Knights face off at 8:30 ET on BTN. The Scarlet Knights are hosting the game at Jersey Mike's Arena in Piscataway, NJ. In this Big Ten matchup, Illinois is favored bt -6.5 vs. Rutgers. The over/under for the game is 156.5 points.

Illinois vs. Rutgers Matchup At A Glance

  • Sport: NCAAB
  • Teams: Illinois Fighting Illini at Rutgers Scarlet Knights
  • Where: Piscataway at Jersey Mike's Arena
  • Date: Wednesday, February 5th
  • Betting Odds ILL -6.5, ILL -267 | RUTGER +216 O/U 156.5

Fighting Illini Preview: Will Illinois Live Up to Expectations on the Road?

Illinois Fighting Illini Recent Game/Games

Illinois improved to 15-7 on the season with an 87-79 win over Ohio State on Sunday. The Illini, who were favored by 6.5 points, covered the spread with the victory. The total points for the game reached 166, surpassing the over/under line of 156.5.

After trailing 42-36 at halftime, Illinois turned things around in the second half, outscoring the Buckeyes 51-37.

Fighting Illini Offense Breakdown

Illinois put up 87 points in their last game, shooting 51.7% from the field. Their two-point shooting was particularly strong, hitting 68.4% (26/38), though they struggled from beyond the arc, making just 20% (4/20) of their threes. At the free-throw line, they connected on 74.2% of their attempts (23/31).

Devin Royal led the way with 29 points, shooting 55.6% overall and 50% from three (3/6). Will Riley added 24 points, hitting 77.8% of his shots, while Bruce Thornton contributed 22 points and 5 assists, making 4 of 7 threes (57.1%). Morez Johnson Jr. grabbed 15 rebounds, and Tomislav Ivisic added 10 boards.

Fighting Illini Team Defense

Illinois struggled defensively, giving up 79 points on 51% shooting from the field. Their interior defense was particularly vulnerable, allowing 68% shooting on two-point attempts, with the opposing team hitting 26 of 38 shots inside the arc.

From beyond the three-point line, Illinois held their opponent to just 20% shooting, as they made 4 of 20 attempts. However, Illinois sent them to the free-throw line 31 times, where they converted 23 free throws for 74%.

Scarlet Knights Preview: Do the Scarlet Knights Have a Shot at a Home Win?

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Recent Game/Games

Rutgers dropped to 11-11 on the season after a 66-63 home loss to Michigan on Saturday. Despite being +6.5 point underdogs, the Scarlet Knights kept it close, covering the spread. The total points for the game were 129, well under the 154.5 O/U line.

After trailing 32-25 at halftime, Rutgers put up a strong fight in the second half, outscoring Michigan 38-34, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win.

Scarlet Knights Offense Breakdown

Rutgers struggled offensively in their last game, shooting just 32.8% from the field and 27.8% from three-point range, finishing with 63 points. Their effective field goal percentage was 40.3%, and they hit 9 of 13 free throws (69.2%).

Jamichael Davis led the way with 20 points, hitting 4 of 7 threes and shooting 57.1% overall. Danny Wolf contributed 16 points and 14 rebounds, while Vladislav Goldin shot 75% from the field, scoring 14 points.

Scarlet Knights Team Defense

Rutgers' defense held their opponent to 66 points, allowing just 32% shooting from the field. They gave up 12 two-point baskets on 31 attempts, a 38% success rate for the other team.

From beyond the arc, Rutgers' opponent hit 10 threes on 36 attempts, shooting 27%. They also sent the other team to the line 13 times, where they made 9 free throws, a 69% rate.

Fighting Illini vs Scarlet Knights Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

  • In their last ten games away from home, the Fighting Illini have a straight up record of 6-4 while going 4-6 vs the spread. The team's offense averaged 77 points per game in these contests.
  • In their last three home games, Rutgers has averaged 78 points per game while allowing 78. The team's record in this stretch was 2-1 while going 2-1 vs. the spread.
  • Through their last three games as the betting underdog, the Scarlet Knights have a strong record vs the spread going 3-0. Their straight up mark in these contests is 1-2.
  • Looking back on the team's last ten games as the favorite, the Fighting Illini have a straight up record of 7-3. Their record vs the spread in these games was 5-5.

Illinois vs Rutgers Prediction & Free Pick

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